Ninemile Remount Depot and Ranger Station

Aug 5, 2006

Visitor Center

Barn

Dinner and Fire Bell

This afternoon I stopped to visit the historic Ninemile Remount Depot and Ranger Station in the Lolo National Forest near Huson, Montana. From 1930 until 1953, the Ninemile Remount Depot provided experienced packers and pack animals for fighting fires and for backcountry work projects throughout the roadless areas of the Northern Rockies. It was modeled after U.S. Army Cavalry Remount Depots which supplied fresh horses to troops. Fire alerts were given by ringing a large dinner bell.

It is still a working station. The buildings serve as administrative headquarters for the Ranger District and fire calls come over mobile radios. I was amused at one of their rules for visitors: Mules stay out of trouble by staying on the trail. We ask you to do the same.

Continuing west on I-90 I arrived at my home for tonight, Campground St. Regis outside Regis, Montana.